You don't have to be a trade unionist – but it helps. This is where all those subs really start paying off! Your union should have a level of expertise both in terms of negotiating skills and knowledge of pay levels in your chosen industry. Get them to help you build a case, and try and get a rep along to a meeting with your boss to discuss your pay. Under the new Fairness at Work legislation you are entitled to bring a representative along with you during grievance and disciplinary procedures – a good employer would have no qualms about extending that to pay discussions (many would not countenance this of course). If you can't take a rep with you, try and keep your discussion as calm and objective as possible. Don't bluff or make threats. Build your case on facts and evidence. It should be a reasonable conversation.
